Congratulate our 2020 Award Winners!
Open Grand Champion
Bob Hickman and Kee
RMS Kee is ten years old. A Canadian girl bred by Bob Stephens, Kee is out of Nancy Stephens’ RMS Ike and Bob’s Jess and is the sister of RMS Black Lux. I was fortunate to partner with Kee in 2016, when her previous owner (who never trialed her), decided to rehome her. We bonded immediately and started ProNovice later that year. In 2018, Kee was the OSDS ProNovice Dog and WASH ProNovice Dog of the year. As an Open competitor, Kee has won her fair share of trials, was a finalist in the 2020 Western States Regionals and is honored to be the 2020 OSDS Open Dog. When she’s not working sheep, Kee is a sweetheart. Well mannered, loyal and loving, I’m blessed to have her with me.
Open Reserve Champion
Cheryl Munson and Gael
Thank you for recognizing Gael’s accomplishments for being OSDS Open Reserve Champion for 2020. Gael is a daughter of my Cooper (from Elissa Thau’s Nell) and Mary Homan’s Rye (who goes back to Kathy Knox’s Jake).
Gael is a tremendous partner both at home doing chore work and on the trial field. Kathy originally owned and started her and I traded a dog I had from Kathy for Gael. That was the best trade I have ever made!
I learned so much from Gael, especially having her after Cooper. Their natural feel and balance make me work hard to bring that out in other dogs. In 2019 Gael was OSDS Pro Novice Champion and WASH Pro Novice Reserve Champion and has placed well in a number of Open trials. I adore her as she is my “go-to” farm dog and best buddy around the house.
Nov/Nov Grand Champion
Victoria Avery
My husband and I raise commercial sheep in the Willamette Valley and use our dogs regularly. We have a variety of work, from simple gather, pen and working groups in our portable yards to trailing mobs cross country. Pearl is my go to trusted hand, but I have a team with a variety of experience and talents. I am grateful for their help.
Pro Nov Reserve Champion
Tim Browne
I live in Seattle and was introduced to the world of herding sheep in 2014 when a friend introduced me to Diane Pagel, who shared her love of the sport and encouraged me to pursue it. Thanks to her I got my first working Border Collies, Nell and Reba. I feel like I’ve just seen the tip of this ‘Ice Berg’ and hope to have many years ahead of me to learn and develop as a handler.